After limited (or nonexistent) slates Sunday and Monday we're getting two nice slates in the middle of the week. Wednesday features 10 games, with a lot of studs back in play, contrasting with the situation on Tuesday.
My core players for this slate will be John Wall and Anthony Davis. Both of these teams are in stackable situations tonight as well, especially the Pelicans who have their highest implied total of the season.
Below you will find our daily fantasy basketball lineup picks for FanDuel on 12/27/17. These DFS lineup picks can vary from higher-priced players and elite options, to lower-priced players and value picks on FanDuel. You can also read more DFS lineup picks for DraftKings and other sports too.
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FanDuel DFS Guards
Jeff Teague - PG, vs. DEN ($6,700)
The simple analysis for playing Teague on tonight’s slate is that the Nuggets are one of the most generous teams in allowing opposing point guards to rack up FD points. However, it also goes a bit deeper than that as the Nuggets will be on the back-end of back-to-back games, this one way away from home. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves return home for the first time in a week and have an implied point total two points higher than their season average. Between a positive matchup and the context surrounding it, Teague is a good buy at the point guard position tonight.
John Wall - PG, @ATL ($8,700)
Wall has been struggling with his shot for much of the time since his return from injury, meaning he hasn't been able to return value on his price tag. However, the Hawks have allowed massive performances to opposing point guards in their recent games, allowing them 54.1 FD points over their last five games and 52.7 over their past ten. His poor shooting still presents risk, but his price point has dipped to under 9K for only the second time this season. That’s likely to be short-lived, so take advantage in this positive matchup.
Marcus Smart - SG, @ CHA ($5,500)
The Celtics are depleted on the wing as Jaylen Brown is likely out for Wednesday’s game between the Celtics and Hornets and Marcus Morris has already been ruled out. That should open the way for extra minutes and usage for Smart, as in the last game Brown missed he saw 34 minutes and delivered 30.3 FD points. Smart’s usual relative safety is paired with upside tonight, making him a viable play in both tournaments and cash games.
FanDuel DFS Forwards
Harrison Barnes - SF, @IND ($6,300)
The Mavericks are one of the slowest paced teams in the league, which generally limits Barnes’ upside as his main fantasy asset is scoring. However, that should change a bit on Wednesday as the Mavericks will head to Indiana in what should be a pace up game for them. While back-to-backs can be a concern for some players, that hasn’t been the case for Barnes through six such scenarios as he has shot nearly 48% from the field this season on the back end two games in two nights. He is a better cash game target, but is worth considering everywhere on Wednesday’s slate.
Otto Porter - SF, @ATL ($6,400)
Porter had been limited in his minutes due to a combination of a hip injury and blowout performances. The injury appears to no longer be a concern as he played 35 minutes in the Wizards Christmas showdown with the Celtics. Much like Wall, Porter’s price tag is deflated by $1,000 from its highest point this season and he will get an outstanding matchup against the Hawks. Porter has the potential to go off tonight, but is best suited as a tournament option in case his minutes are once again limited due to a blowout.
Anthony Davis - PF, vs. BKN ($11,200)
Davis is the stud I will build my lineups around on Wednesday, as the Pelicans have their highest implied team total of season at 116.25. That said, the Pelicans should be scoring plenty of points tonight and we all know Davis should be at the center of that.
FanDuel DFS Centers
Kevin Love - C, @SAC ($8,400)
Love has seen a bit of a price jump after sitting at 8K for much of the season. That is a bit worrisome as he often struggled to reach value even at that price tag. However, Wednesday’s slate creates an opportunity for him, as he is a standout option among the second tier of centers. If LeBron struggles or decides to take on the role of facilitator, Love can easily go 6X to 6.5X, putting him in play for both cash and tournaments.